Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: Our company was contracted to do a master plan for the family who was in desperate need of a rear yard renovation. The existing lawn area remained saturated throughout most of the year and the runoff from the neighboring property ran across their back yard, down the side of their property and all the way to the sidewalk in front of their house. The water was so intense that it had begun to cut through the back yard and erode the soil across the sidewalk and into the nearby storm drain. By identifying these drainage problems and discussing solutions with the homeowner, we were able to design and create the aesthetically pleasing and sustainable solution of a rain garden. The goal was to slow down storm water runoff, and catch pollution and sediment by creating a rain garden that acts as a filter prior to entering the storm drain, while enhancing the aesthetics of the property. The rain garden created was a shallow depression, 12 - 16" deep that collects rainfall runoff from all downspouts of the home and water collected into perforated pipes underneath the lawn area. The perforated pipe begins at the highest elevation in the yard and ends in the rain garden, the new lowest elevation that has been excavated down to an 8" depth. The perforated pipe captures the runoff water and allows the water to seep slowly back into the ground as it runs across the property and into the garden. The garden was lined with a geotextile filter fabric to aide in removing contaminants from the water, prevent migration of the stone in to the soil, and minimalize maintenance. A large variety of plant material was chosen, focusing mainly on native wetland species for their tolerance of our local soil types, moisture conditions and the habitat they provide for wildlife. The garden was abundant with native wildlife and was a sustainable ecosystem for birds and butterflies upon completion of the project. After planting, we arranged decorative stone throughout the garden to slow the flow of water and help prevent erosion. The combination of vegetative and stone surfaces provides temporary storage for runoff before the water either evaporates or infiltrates the soil. The surrounding beds throughout the property were also all amended with compost and replanted with plants that work in harmony with the rain garden. The front, side, and rear yards are a beautiful display of colors that bloom throughout the seasons and the plants throughout the entire property provide food and shelter for native wildlife. The rear yard that was once a muddy play space for the kids is now a dry lawn space that can be utilized by the family and their neighbors. This multi­ functional garden has become the focal point of the residence. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

Daniel Whatley
This is an example of a farmhouse landscaping in Raleigh.

Robert Cornell
Inspiration for a timeless pool remodel in Los Angeles

Make any custom pool accessible by adding beach entry to your pool and patio decks. Contact Richard's Total Backyard Solutions to build your backyard oasis today!

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Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC
Transitional home design photo in Boston

Susan Teare

Francesco Patarchi

This Pink Cristallo Quartzite is certainly the belle of the ball – rare, luxurious, and full of color. The stone appears quite delicate with its rosy hue “marred” by the unique pattern left by the dark veins scrawled across the surface. Elegance still reigns, thanks to the patches of white quartz. 2CM Quartzite slabs w/ polished finish, custom finishes available upon request. Call for Inventory 00026

View from upper pool to falls.
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When we envisioned the new landscape within the outdoor living space at Solana Beach Coastal Oasis, we imagined we were sitting poolside at a lushly planted Baja Zen style retreat. The owners of this Solana Beach home wanted plenty of space for outdoor dining and lounging by the pool. We enjoy creating innovative outdoor spaces for clients that can check both boxes. The outcome of this serene coastal landscape design has just the right combination of sleek and rustic elements, while being low maintenance. This outdoor renovation also included some eco-friendly upgrades. We renovated an existing sprinkler system so that it uses 60% less water than traditional systems. To keep it easy for the client, we added a custom Ipe wood pool cover box that also serves as a bench. This box contains the solar pool cover that was a challenge to store and an eyesore in the scenery. We introduced succulents and other low water plants in order to reduce the amount of water that is typically required to keep landscapes thriving in Southern California. Additional Design Elements: Potted plants including Citrus and Japanese Maple trees Custom Redwood entry gates and privacy fence Custom Ipe wood bench box that also stores the unsightly solar pool cover Fire pit table installed for enjoying cool evenings Stone veneered outdoor BBQ Stone veneered columns and retaining walls Pool with waterfall Spa Stained concrete walkways and patios with inlaid stone bands Low voltage lighting Bistro lights Teak patio furniture Eco-Friendly Upgrades

Natural slap stone steps, with rock garden features and low maintenance planting!
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